Combined Experimental/Numerical Development of Propulsor Evaluation Capability

2011 ◽  
Vol 133 (8) ◽  
Author(s):  
Amanda M. Dropkin ◽  
Stephen A. Huyer ◽  
Charles Henoch

This paper presents a method to combine computational fluid dynamics (CFD) modeling with subscale experiments to improve full-scale propulsor performance prediction. Laboratory experiments were conducted on subscale models of the NUWC Light underwater vehicle in the 0.3048 m × 0.3048 m water tunnel located at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island. This model included an operational rim-driven ducted post-swirl propulsor. Laser Doppler Velocimetry was used to measure several velocity profiles along the hull. The experimental data were used in this project to validate the CFD models constructed using the commercial CFD software package, Fluent®. Initially, axisymmetric two-dimensional simulations investigated the bare hull, hull only case, and a shrouded body without the propulsor. These models were selected to understand the axisymmetric flow development and investigate methods to best match the propulsor inflow. A variety of turbulence models were investigated and ultimately the numerical and experimental velocity profiles were found to match within 3%. Full 3D flow simulations were then conducted with an operating propulsor and compared with the corresponding subscale experimental data. Finally, simulations were conducted for full-scale tests and compared with actual open-water data. While the open-water data was limited to propulsor rpm and vehicle velocity, the operating advance ratio could be determined as well as the estimated vehicle thrust. This provided a method to utilize CFD/experiments to bridge the gap between subscale and full-scale tests. The predicted open-water advance ratio was 10.3% higher than the experimental value, as compared with the 28% difference previously found from a linear extrapolation of Reynolds number from model scale to full scale. This method was then applied to two different research propulsor geometries and led to agreement between computational and experimental advance ratios on the order of 2%.

Author(s):  
Amanda M. Dropkin ◽  
Stephen A. Huyer ◽  
Charles Henoch

Propulsor design methods utilize Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) to develop initial propulsor configurations and predict the full-scale in-water performance of these optimal designs. However, like all numerical models, these CFD models need experimental validation to provide a sufficient level of confidence in the design. The actual data needed to validate CFD models include propulsor inflow velocities and thrust and are impractical to collect for full-scale vehicles. As a result, the in-water propulsor performance can be significantly different than CFD predictions. Another approach in the propulsor design process is to experimentally test a subscale version of the vehicle and appropriately scale results. This scaling is often unreliable due to differences between open water conditions and the flow in the laboratory facility. This paper presents a method to combine CFD modeling with subscale experiments to improve full-scale propulsor performance prediction. Laboratory experiments were conducted on subscale generic torpedo models in the 12″ × 12″ water tunnel located at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, Rhode Island. This model included an operational ducted post-swirl propulsor. Laser Doppler Velocimetry was used to measure several velocity profiles along the torpedo hull. The experimental data were used in this project to validate the CFD models constructed using the commercial CFD software, Fluent®. Initially, axisymmetric two-dimensional simulations investigated the bare body, hull only case, and a shrouded body without the propulsor. These models were selected to understand the axisymmetric flow development and investigate methods to best match the propulsor inflow. A variety of turbulence models including the realizable k-epsilon model and the Spallart-Almaras model were investigated and ultimately the numerical and experimental velocity profiles were found to match within 3%. Based on these water tunnel simulations, differences between the flow in the facility and open water could then be characterized. These differences quantified both the effect of Reynolds number as well as local flow acceleration due to tunnel blockage effects. Full 3-D flow simulations were then conducted with an operating propulsor and compared with the corresponding subscale experimental data. Finally, simulations were conducted for full-scale tests and compared with actual in-water data. While the in-water data was limited to propulsor rpm and vehicle velocity, the operating advance ratio could be determined as well as the estimated vehicle thrust. This provided a method to utilize CFD/experiments to bridge the gap between subscale and full-scale tests. The predicted in-water advance ratio of 1.87 was very close to the measured value of 1.75.


2018 ◽  
Vol 193 ◽  
pp. 03023 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oleg Nedryshkin ◽  
Marina Gravit ◽  
Kirill Grabovyy

Modeling of dangerous fire factors is an important element in the system of modern fire safety assessment of buildings and structures. The paper presents a comparative analysis of the characteristics of the software system PyroSim. The verification of the fire model in the FDS program, which was performed on the basis of full-scale tests conducted by Professor Chau W.L., was analysed. The analysis of empirical and calculated data on modeling of fire in the atrium is made. The conclusion is made about the accuracy of simulation in the FDS program and the coincidence of the experimental data with the calculated ones.


Author(s):  
Marco Torresi ◽  
Bernardo Fortunato ◽  
Sergio Mario Camporeale ◽  
Alessandro Saponaro

The accurate prediction of pulverized coal combustion in industrial application still remains a great challenge. This is mainly due to the lack of high quality experimental data acquired during the operation of industrial plants. This work describes the CFD model used in order to numerically simulate the pulverized coal combustion of a full scale, swirl stabilized, aerodynamically staged, industrial burner. In particular, two different combinations of devolatilization and char burnout models were investigated comparing the numerical results with available experimental data obtained during a burner test carried out, in full-scale configuration, in a 50 MWth, fully instrumented, test rig. In order to avoid any unrealistic assumption on pulverized coal distribution at the burner inlet, the entire primary air duct for pulverized coal transportation has been considered. The main flow is computed solving the steady, incompressible, three-dimensional, Reynolds Averaged Navier-Stokes (RANS) equations, whereas the pulverized coal is simulated as a reacting discrete second phase in a Lagrangian frame of reference, computing the trajectories of the discrete phase entities, as well as heat and mass transfer. The numerical analysis confirms the very good burner performance obtained during the tests with a very low percentage of fixed carbon left in the ashes.


2011 ◽  
Vol 117-119 ◽  
pp. 598-601
Author(s):  
Hai Long Shen ◽  
Gomri Abdelhak ◽  
Qing Tong Chen ◽  
Yu Min Su

This paper describes the hydrodynamic performance prediction of ship hull with propeller by using CFD techniques. As an attempt in investigating the flow features around ship hull equipped with a rotating propeller, open water test, resistance test, and self-propulsion test were conducted. The paper discusses also the applicability of different turbulence models which are used to predict the hydrodynamic performance of the propeller, the hull, and the interaction hull-propeller. The hydrodynamic performance prediction method was gotten and was validated. The computational results were validated against the existing experimental data.


Author(s):  
Kazem Sadati ◽  
Hamid Zeraatgar ◽  
Aliasghar Moghaddas

Maneuverability of planing craft is a complicated hydrodynamic subject that needs more studies to comprehend its characteristics. Planing craft drivers follow a common practice for maneuver of the craft that is fundamentally different from ship’s standards. In situ full-scale tests are normally necessary to understand the maneuverability characteristics of planing craft. In this paper, a study has been conducted to illustrate maneuverability characteristics of planing craft by full-scale tests. Accelerating and turning maneuver tests are conducted on two cases at different forward speeds and rudder angles. In each test, dynamic trim, trajectory, speed, roll of the craft are recorded. The tests are performed in planing mode, semi-planing mode, and transition between planing mode to semi-planing mode to study the effects of the craft forward speed and consequently running attitude on the maneuverability. Analysis of the data reveals that the Steady Turning Diameter (STD) of the planing craft may be as large as 40 L, while it rarely goes beyond 5 L for ships. Results also show that a turning maneuver starting at planing mode might end in semi-planing mode. This transition can remarkably improve the performance characteristics of the planing craft’s maneuverability. Therefore, an alternative practice is proposed instead of the classic turning maneuver. In this practice, the craft traveling in the planing mode is transitioned to the semi-planing mode by forward speed reduction first, and then the turning maneuver is executed.


Author(s):  
Giacomino Bandini ◽  
Paride Meloni ◽  
Massimiliano Polidori ◽  
Calogera Lombardo

The PERSEO experimental program was performed in the framework of a domestic research program on innovative safety systems with the purpose to increase the reliability of passive decay heat removal systems implementing in-pool heat exchangers. The conceived system was tested at SIET laboratories by modifying the existing PANTHERS IC-PCC facility utilized in the past for testing a full scale module of the GE-SBWR in-pool heat exchanger. Integral tests and stability tests were conducted to verify the operating principles, the steadiness and the effectiveness of the system. Two of the more representative tests have been analyzed with CATHARE V2.5 for code validation purposes. The paper deals with the comparison of code results against experimental data. The capabilities and the limits of the code in simulating such kind of tests are highlighted. An improvement in the modeling of the large water reserve pool is suggested trying to reduce the discrepancies observed between code results and test measurements.


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